Le’Veon Bell back in green after signing with the Jets

Vincent Davis |
3/14/2019, 11:40 a.m.

Le' Veon Bell
Contributed

The new NFL season officially kicked off yesterday, auspiciously here in New York City with trades and signings by both teams that dominated the headlines and news feeds, and touched every emotion of Jets and Giant fans.

The New York Jets grabbed their share of PR by announcing their deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers free-agent running back Le’Veon Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million dollar deal.

The contract has a maximum value of $61 million overall and includes $35 million of guaranteed money for Bell, a two-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler who currently ranks third in career rushing yards per game (86.1).

A tweet posted by Bell read, “I’m back in the green baby. Let’s get it.”

Bell, an elite player who turned 27 last month, February, sat out last year due to a contract dispute with the Steelers, being unable to come to an agreement with the AFC North team after being given the franchise tag, turning down the 14.5 million offered him. Bell last played during the 2017-18 season, rushing for 1291 yards, scoring nine touchdowns.

Bell’s upside are his abilities as a receiver in addition to skills at running back, making him extremely proficient at both positions, a great weapon for the Jets’ second year QB Sam Darnold. During Bell’s last season of play, he also logged 85 catches totaling 655 receiving yards and two TDs.

Drafted by the Steelers in 2013 in the second round, the 48th pick, leaving Michigan State after his third year, Bell totaled 5336 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 35 rushing touchdowns, 312 receptions, 2660 receiving yards, 7 touchdown receptions.

Also reportedly getting a signature on a new Jets contract will be Henry Anderson, their defensive lineman who’s re-signing for three-years, $25.2 million. Wide receiver Josh Bellamy, a two-year, $7 million contract that includes $2.75 million guaranteed. Jamison Crowder, another receiver, three years, $28.5 million, $17 million fully guaranteed. Linebacker C.J. Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler, was signed to a five-year, $85 million deal, $51 million guaranteed, making Mosley the highest paid inside linebacker in league history.